Remembering Sister Mary Julia Breheny, CSJ

The following was given by Brenda L. Forry, CSJ of Sister Mary Julia Breheny, who touched so many lives in the Parkway community through her years at St. Theresa's, Sacred Heart and more. This article appears courtesy of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

As we come together this evening to celebrate the life of Sister Mary Julia Breheny among us, many thoughts cross our minds. Julia was a gentle, kind person. The words found at the beginning of the Constitution of the Sisters of Saint Joseph describe Julia perfectly. “The Sister of Saint Joseph moves always toward profound love of God and love of neighbor in humility, in sincere charity- the manner of Saint Joseph whose name she bears, with an orientation toward excellence tempered by gentleness, peace and joy.”

Julia certainly lived these words everyday of her life. Each of us who knew Julia has been touched in some way by her gentleness, kindness, concern and especially her joy and love of life.

Mary Teresa Breheny was born on December 28, 1926 in Roslindale, the oldest child of Michael and Winifred Jennings Breheny. She had two younger brothers, William and John, and a sister, Kathleen. Mary graduated from Sacred Heart School (then known as Saint Francis School) and attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Upon graduation, Mary entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph. She received the habit on March 19, 1946 and the name Sister Mary Julia. Julia taught in many elementary schools in the Archdiocese. In 1970 Julia was sent to her home parish in Roslindale to teach eighth grade at Sacred Heart School. She stayed there for eight years and then was named principal of Saint Angela School in Mattapan. Julia’s kindness and gentleness was especially evident to the students and parents, many of who had just come to our country from Haiti.

After four years, Julia went to , West Roxbury where she taught in the elementary school and did some tutoring. In 2003 Julia went to Fontbonne Hall in Framingham and in 2005 to Bethany Health Care Center.

I first met Julia when we taught the eighth grade together at Sacred Heart School. I was only there a couple of days when she began to tell me all about “Rozie.”… her home town. (She reminded me of that fact many times over the next few years.) The students she taught in Sacred Heart learned much about the history of Roslindale along with Religion, Reading and Math. She instilled in them a love of their roots and they saw in turn a dedicated, loving, caring woman religious who would spend her last drop of energy to help them out. Julia had a wonderful disposition (as you all know) and she was always willing to stop and chat with people (some she knew…some she didn’t). It really didn’t matter. Many times I can remember being at meetings at Brighton or visiting Bethany when everyone was ready to leave. We’d be in the car and someone would say,” Where’s Julia.” “I’ll be right there!!” would be the answer. Fifteen minutes later we would be ready to leave. Although we all teased Julia we knew she was bringing joy to someone she had just met.

Julia’s siblings John, Bill and Kay all predeceased her. She missed them very much especially Kay with whom she was very close. I had the privilege of teaching Kay’s sons

Stephen, Michael and Ken at Sacred Heart in Roslindale. Michael died tragically in California and this was difficult for Julia.

Julia kept her wonderful disposition in her years here at Bethany. The Staff commented on her graciousness to them and her many kindnesses and gratitude for anything that was done for her. Her last few weeks were difficult for Julia but she still smiled and remained grateful for all that was done for her.

The First Reading in tonight’s liturgy is from the Prophet Jeremiah. We shall here the familiar words “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for harm! Plans to give you a future full of hope.” Julia trusted in the plans God had for her and she lived her life confident of God’s loving care.

Paul’s letter to the Colossians tells us to be “clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience…” How well Julia lived these words!

I find the words from John’s gospel very consoling for all of us. “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms…” and it continues “I go to prepare a place for you.” Sister Julia, by her life, prepared herself for this day. She did not let her heart be troubled. She believed that the Lord had a place for her. I am sure she is rejoicing with her God.

We are grateful for the gift of Sister Julia Breheny in our lives. She certainly brought much joy into my life for the past forty years. There are many people who could not be with us this evening whose lives have been enriched in countless ways by Julia.

Each person here has much in his or her life for which to be grateful. Memories are an important gift in our life. They allow us to recall loved ones and happy occasions. Memories keep us company and many times in the act of remembering we actually find ourselves smiling. Memories warm our hearts and keep us connected when we are alone.

We each have our memories of Julia. I invite anyone who wishes to come forward at this time and share a thought or a way in which Julia touched your life.

Julia, in 1995 you asked me to give a reflection at your Golden Jubilee. I would like to end this evening, my friend, with my last words on that day. Julia, May God bless you and keep you; May God’s love shine on you; May God be good to you and give you peace.